1965 Thunderbird Tonneau Clamp Mechanism

[Kartman01]

I recently purchased a ‘65 Thunderbird and noticed the forward clamp is not centered on the tonneau cover or the hook on the console.

 

Is this correct? Would these parts have been installed at the factory this way?

 

Please see attached photos for reference.

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

 

 

[m-mman]

My first thought is that Ford did not install a tonneau on any 1965 Thunderbird.  In 1962-3 the roadster was a regular production model choice and used their own model and serial numbers. For 1964, The tonneau and wire wheels were offered, however historians debate whether they were ever installed at Wixom as a package or were they always sold/shipped to be physically installed at the dealership. 
 

There was at least one 1964 Thunderbird invoice that shows among the list of options; tonneau cover and wires and uses the word “Roadster” on the invoice.

 

 So maybe a few for 1964, but certainly no factory installed tonneaus for 1965-6. 

[Kartman01]

6 hours ago, m-mman said:

My first thought is that Ford did not install a tonneau on any 1965 Thunderbird.  In 1962-3 the roadster was a regular production model choice and used their own model and serial numbers. For 1964, The tonneau and wire wheels were offered, however historians debate whether they were ever installed at Wixom as a package or were they always sold/shipped to be physically installed at the dealership. 
 

There was at least one 1964 Thunderbird invoice that shows among the list of options; tonneau cover and wires and uses the word “Roadster” on the invoice.

 

 So maybe a few for 1964, but certainly no factory installed tonneaus for 1965-6. 

Thank you m-mman, I appreciate the insight. I will try to find photos of a 62-63 factory tonneau and see how those are secured to the car.